Help for homeowners
The Housing Executive can buy your home if you have been intimidated and no longer want to live in your home. This is known as the Scheme for the Purchase of Evacuated Dwellings, or SPED.
Who can apply?
Any homeowner can apply for SPED provided it is their only or main home and the following criteria apply
- The dwelling must be owner-occupied and must be the owner’s only or principal home.
- There must be evidence (substantiated by the PSNI) that it is unsafe for you or a member of your household who lives with you to continue to live in the house, because that person has been directly or specifically threatened or intimidated and as a result is at risk of serious injury or death. A certificate stating this clearly, signed by the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, or authorised signatory, must be provided to the Housing Executive.
When you apply to the Housing Executive the Housing Executive will ask the PSNI to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents which you have detailed on the application form. The police must inform the Housing Executive of the outcome of their investigation.
If the application is successful the PSNI will issue a Chief Constable’s Certificate to the Housing Executive. The Housing Executive requires this certificate to complete the process. To see the outline of the SPED process, check the
Housing Executive's SPED flowchart.
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What happens to the house?
Land & Property Services will assess the current market value of the property. Most properties bought under this scheme are sold by the Housing Executive on the open market. However, in some cases, if there is a need for particular types of properties the Housing Executive may offer the property for sale to a Registered Housing Association.
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How do I apply?
You can request an application form by writing to Land & Property Central Unit, NIHE, Norwich Union House, 7 Fountain Street, Belfast, BT1 5EA or by calling 028 9031 8403.
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Can I get any other help?
If your home has been attacked because of a hate incident, you may be entitled to limited assistance to secure the property.
